2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid to use Volt-based tech

Even before the car has been revealed in full, the existence of the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid has already been confirmed. The latest eco-friendly addition to the Chevy stable will have its green tech carried over from the 2016 Chevrolet Volt – the key difference being that the Malibu will not be presented as a plug-in.

Under the bonnet, a conventional 1.8 litre, direct-injected four-cylinder petrol engine is mated to a slightly reworked twin-motor unit lifted from the Chevrolet Volt for a combined power output of 182 hp. Juice will come courtesy of an 80-cell, 1.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

To help increase its green credentials, the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid will feature active front grille shutters to improve airflow and a form of “blended” regenerative braking system – the latter another Volt-inspired piece of tech. The combustion engine will also debut Chevrolet’s Exhaust Gas Heat Recovery system which employs heat energy from the exhaust to warm up the cabin and engine.

The hybrid powertrain is able to propel the Malibu Hybrid from a standstill to speeds of up to 86 km/h on pure electric power alone, after which the combustion engine will kick in to provide extra power. An official fuel consumption figure of 19.1 km/l has been touted – close enough to the hybrid versions of the Ford Fusion, Toyota Camry and Hyundai Sonata sold in the United States.

An “actor” by training, Gregory Sze realised that he has had enough of drama in his life. Following his number one passion (acting was actually number two), he decided to make the jump into the realm of automotive journalism. He appreciates the simple things in life – a simple car with nothing but back-to-basics mechanical engineering and minimal electronics on board.

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